[Released] Pokémon Hollow Woods

[Nineage]

Pokémon Hollow Woods
DISCORD
(Download can be found in the Discord server or in the posts below)

Summary
Welcome to Oblar, a Pokémon region split between two factions.
Your mother, the leader of the Lavender Faction, tasks you with researching Oblar's unique Pokémon species.
But you find much more: an ancient and mysterious Pokémon, an organization with questionable motives, tales from Oblar's past, and plenty of intrigue...
...all centered around Oblar's Great Forest, where a powerful force is said to lurk.

Spoiler:

This game aims to provide the nostalgiac feel of a Gen IV Pokémon game while refreshing some of the standard plot formula. You'll find gym puzzles and badges, a Pokémon professor, a rival, and other callbacks to canon Pokémon plots. At the same time, the game adds many new features (described below) and incentives for exploration, from sidequests with rare rewards to regional Pokémon that can only be found via thorough gameplay. It also asks new questions about the Pokémon world and its governance. Hopefully, this game will echo whatever drove you to play Pokémon games in the first place while giving you plenty of new content to enjoy!

Features​

• A carefully curated regional Pokédex, featuring Pokémon and moves from the first 8 generations.​
• A balanced experience crafted by a team of competitive Pokémon players. Though this is by no means a "kaizo" game, it should be difficult enough to provide some challenge to even experienced players.​
• 65 regional forms of existing Pokémon and custom megas currently obtainable, with more planned for future releases.​
• 57 formal side quests, plus a variety of smaller content unlockable through player interaction.​
• "Secret Spots" - areas accessible with a special item that contain rare Pokémon and/or items.​
• "Super trainers" - extra-challenging trainers that will challenge you only if you battle every other trainer on a route.​
• A variety of new game options, including Nuzlocke mode and level caps for those that want a difficult experience, as well as infinite rare candies and autoheal for those that want a more casual playthrough.​
• A custom soundtrack featuring remixed versions of existing Pokémon tracks, with more to come in future updates!​
• Exp. Share options - experience sharing can be disabled entirely, enabled from the Bag to give Exp. to all Pokémon, or given to one specific Pokémon to share Exp. with just that Pokémon.​
• In-game time cycles with no relation to real time, enabling the player to find different Pokémon available only at certain times of day.​
• Some of your favorite characters from canon Pokémon games have cameo appearances.​
• A special Battle Tower-like challenge pushes the limits of your Pokémon team!​

Screenshots

Spoiler:

FAQ
Q: What are the controls?
By default, the controls are: Arrow keys to move, C or Enter to interact, X to cancel or to run in the field, Z to open the menu, D to use registered items, Q to cycle through speed up options, and W to skip through text. You can change the key mappings with the F1 key.

Q: What emulator do I need to use to play this?
No emulator. Just run the Game.exe file and the game will play.

Q: Can this be played on Mac/phone?
There is currently no official support for Mac or phone play. Some people have had success playing the game on Mac using Wine, and it is possible that the game works on Android using Joiplay.

Q: Where do I go next?
There is an NPC in every Pokémon center that can give you hints on where to go next. You are also welcome to ask in the Discord, but I believe that your experience will be better if you explore your options before asking.

Q: Is X in the game?
I may eventually create a list of Pokémon in the regional dex. For now, you can ask in the Discord about any Pokémon currently available in the demo.

Q: Is there an Exp. Share?
Yes, the Exp. Share is obtainable as a quest reward. It can be used in three ways as described in Features.

Q: What are the shiny odds?
The shiny odds for default encounters are the same as they are in the Generation IV games. However, these odds are far higher for Pokémon in certain areas, such as underground tunnels.

Q: How do I evolve the starters?
The starters no longer evolve by stones. Instead, they all evolve at level 28.

Spoiler: FAQ

Q: What are the controls?
By default, the controls are: Arrow keys to move, C or Enter to interact, X to cancel or to run in the field, Z to open the menu, D to use registered items, Q to cycle through speed up options, and W to skip through text. You can change the key mappings with the F1 key.


Q: What emulator do I need to use to play this?
No emulator. Just run the Game.exe file and the game will play.


Q: Can this be played on Mac/phone?
There is currently no official support for Mac or phone play. Some people have had success playing the game on Mac using Wine, and it is possible that the game works on Android using Joiplay.


Q: Where do I go next?
There is an NPC in every Pokémon center that can give you hints on where to go next. You are also welcome to ask in the Discord, but I believe that your experience will be better if you explore your options before asking.


Q: Is X in the game?
I may eventually create a list of Pokémon in the regional dex. For now, you can ask in the Discord about any Pokémon currently available in the demo.


Q: Is there an Exp. Share?
Yes, the Exp. Share is obtainable as a quest reward. It can be used in three ways as described in Features.


Q: What are the shiny odds?
The shiny odds for default encounters are the same as they are in the Generation IV games. However, these odds are far higher for Pokémon in certain areas, such as underground tunnels.


Q: How do I evolve the starters?
The starters no longer evolve by stones. Instead, they all evolve at level 28.


Q: Can trade evolutions be obtained in the game?
Yes - the answer to unlocking trade evolutions can be found in the Frosthaven Candy Shop.


Q: Why isn't the Senate Hammer allowing me to break rocks?
You are explicitly told when you receive the hammer that you need three badges to use it. You can proceed to the third gym without smashing any rocks if you thoroughly explore Smugglers' Pass.


Q: Why aren't the Senate Gloves allowing me to move boulders?
Similarly, you must beat the sixth gym before using the Senate Gloves in the field.


Q: Is there a guide or wiki?
Yes! The guide can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...hEeeWWAAtju8/edit?gid=991871098#gid=991871098. Please keep in mind that it is still a WIP and read the first page before asking questions.

Spoiler: Credits

The most updated list of credits can always be found in the download itself, in Credits.txt.


Almost all assets have been modified and are private. Please do not assume anything in this project is public!


I have done my best to credit everyone responsible for assets used in this project. If I missed you, please let me know! Thank you to all who make public resources.


Team
==========
Principal development: Nineage
Title Screen/Some graphics: Gummy
Additional development/bug testing: Gummy, RomeDawg, April, Bee, Camden, Coconut, Kipkluif, Bluewollywog, Nitrixr, femboy, gali, antgeezy, tagwail, thescarletswitch, Willow, Shishiboo, Lumi (Cipher), Arctolatry


Pokemon Essentials
==========
Flameguru
Poccil (Peter O.)
Maruno
AvatarMonkeyKirby
Marin
Boushy
MiDas Mike
Brother1440
Near Fantastica
FL.
PinkMan
Genzai Kawakami
Popper
Golisopod User
Rataime
help-14
Savordez
IceGod64
SoundSpawn
Jacob O. Wobbrock
the__end
KitsuneKouta
Venom12
Lisa Anthony
Wachunga
Luka S.J.
and other contributors!


Made possible by: Roza (mkxp-z), Ancurio et al. (mkxp), Enterbrain (RPG Maker XP)


Design Inspiration
==========
Pokemon Infinity team: https://reliccastle.com/infinity/


Tilesets
==========
Sailorvicious
Kyle-dove
Akizakura16
Pokemon-diamond
Alculus
Flurmimon
Advance Tileset
Dewitty
Gaia Project
DaNerdyDude
aveontrainer
stochasticcc
RBRNNova
Magiscarf
Neffertity
WesleyFG
Shawn Frost
NSora-96
PeekyChew
Claisprojects.com
Minorthreat0987
UltimoSpriter
TyranitarDark
DarkDragonn
rafa-cac
Phyromatical
Newtiteuf
ChaoticCherryCake
moca
PkmnAlexandrite
GameFreak
Maxewenx


All PSDK tileset contributors: https://pokemonworkshop.com/en/sdk/credits#heading_tilesets


Generation 8 Pack
==========
Battler Sprites:
Gen 1-5 Pokemon Sprites - veekun
Gen 6 Pokemon Sprites - All Contributors To Smogon X/Y Sprite Project
Gen 7 Pokemon Sprites - All Contributors To Smogon Sun/Moon Sprite Project
Gen 8 Pokemon Sprites - All Contributors To Smogon Sword/Shield Sprite Project
Overworld Sprites
Gen 6+ Berry Tree Overworlds - Anarlaurendil
Gen 6 Pokemon Overworlds - princess-pheonix, LunarDusk, Wolfang62, TintjeMadelintje101, piphybuilder88
Gen 7 Pokemon Overworlds - Larry Turbo, princess-pheonix
Gen 8 Pokemon Overworlds - SageDeoxys, Wolfang62, LarryTurbo, tammyclaydon
Gen 1-5 Pokemon Overworlds - MissingLukey, help-14, Kymoyonian, cSc-A7X, 2and2makes5, Pokegirl4ever, Fernandojl, Silver-Skies, TyranitarDark, Getsuei-H, Kid1513, Milomilotic11, Kyt666, kdiamo11, Chocosrawlooid, Syledude, Gallanty, Gizamimi-Pichu, 2and2makes5, Zyon17,LarryTurbo, spritesstealer, LarryTurbo
Icon Sprites
Gen 1-6 Pokemon Icon Sprites - Alaguesia, harveydentmd
Gen 7 Pokemon Icon Sprites - Marin, MapleBranchWing, Contributors to the DS Styled Gen 7+ Repository
Gen 8 Icon Sprites - Larry Turbo, Leparagon
Shiny Icon Sprites - StarrWolf, Pokemon Shattered Light Team
Cry Credits:
Gen 1-6 Pokemon Cries - Rhyden
Gen 7 Pokemon Cries - Marin, Rhyden
Gen 8 Pokemon Cries - Zeak6464
Script Credits:
Golisopod User, Luka S.J.
Compilation of Resources:
Golisopod User, UberDunsparce




Character Graphics
==========
Character bases: Poltergeist, TechSkylander1518 (swimming)
Trainer sprites: Kyle-Dove
Protagonist designs: Fakemon123
Following Pokemon: Golisopod User, Help-14, zingzags, Rayd12smitty, mej71, PurpleZaffre, Akizakura16, Thundaga, Armin, Maruno
Gen 4 trainer packs: Mr. Gela, Zet0ken, VanillaSunshine, AtomicReactor, Neo-Spriteman, PurpleZaffre, Maicerochico, DiegoWT
Pokemon Beekeeper (Voltseon/ENLS): https://reliccastle.com/resources/566/
GameFreak


Fakemon Sprites
==========
KajiAtsui


UI Graphics
==========
Most UI: Mak (Tales of the Outskirt Stand Resource Pack) https://reliccastle.com/resources/1356/
Trainer Card: Mahian23
Senate Gizmo: Jackster, LinKazamine
Additional graphics listed under "plugins" below


Battle animations
==========
AtomicReactor (Pokemon Infinity) + hadecynn / Andy Chen


Plugins
==========
Advanced Items Field Moves: Bergium, TechSkylander1518, Moyo, Marin
Always inside Bushes: Kotaro, Titania318, KleinStudio, derFischae
Bag screen with interactable party: DiegoWT
Berry Pots: Caruban
BW Gender Selector: KleinStudio, DeepBlue PacificWaves, TechSkylander1518, LinKazamine
BW Party Screen: DeepBlue PacificWaves,Shashu-Greninja, Golisopod User
BW Pokedex: DeepBlue PacificWaves, NettoHikari, Xtreme1992
DiegoWT's Starter Selection: DiegoWT
Encounter List UI: ThatWelshOne_, raZ, Marin, Maruno, Nuri, Yuri, PurpleZaffre, Savordez, Vendily
Unreal Time: FL.
Generation 8 Pack: Golisopod User, Luka S.J.
Improved AI: KRLW890
Item Find: Boonzeet
Location Signposts with Background Image: PurpleZaffre, LostSoulsDev / carmaniac, Golisopod User, ENLS, spaceemotion, TechSkylander1518
Luka's Scripting Utilities: Luka S.J.
Modern Quest System + UI: ThatWelshOne_, mej71, derFischae, Marin
Overworld Shadows EX: Golisopod User, Wolf PP, Marin
Randomizer X: Luka S.J., A.I.R
Speed Up 2.0: Marin, Phantombass
Voltseon's Pause Menu: Voltseon, Golisopod User, ENLS


ADD Gen 8 pack credits


Pokémon is owned by:
The Pokémon Company
Nintendo
Affiliated with Game Freak


This is a non-profit fan-made game. No copyright infringement is intended. Please support the official games!

There are two current releases of this project! The stable release (1.0.8) is a demo that contains about half of the content planned for the main story (8-10 hours of content). The beta release (1.2.2) has been tested less but contains several hours of additional content. This is my first project to be released publicly, and one that I have been polishing and reworking for many years. I hope you enjoy, and please join the discussion in our Discord server (linked above).​

 

[Inner Rhymes]

This looks real dope! Congratulations on releasing your first project! I really like the premise of what you've laid out, not to mention that regional variant Cacturne caught my eye in the screenshots. I looked forward to you releasing the full version when you get to it!

 

[Nineage]

Update - I've released version 1.0.4 of Hollow Woods! This version fixes a few bugs found in the original release. Consider this a "Day 1" patch. The update is recommended to avoid a few crashes, but not necessary to play through the game.

As always, our Discord is the best place to get the most updated, bug-free patches. For some reason, Pokecommunity won't let me update the OP, so I'll be posting updates in new posts here as well. Thanks to all who have joined and played so far!

 

[Shishiboo]

What a lovely start to the game, amazing job! Can't wait to see where you bring this.

 

[Nineage]

Update: version 1.0.5 has been released with some critical bugfixes! I recommend downloading the update if you're midway through a playthrough. As always, a patch version (smaller download) can be found on our Discord server!

 

[Nineage]

Version 1.0.6 has been released with some small content updates and some additional bugfixes!

 

[Safr]

Version 1.0.6 has been released with some small content updates and some additional bugfixes!

Thank you for the update. Although there not many activities here, i can assure you people still paying attention on this game 👍

 

[Nineage]

Thank you, @Safr!

In other news...the latest version is live! You can download the full game here, or a patch by joining our Discord server. Thank you to everybody who has left kind words about the game or taken time to play through.

As we continue to develop the second half of the game, please give us your feedback! What drew you in? What made you end your run? We want this game to be as enjoyable as possible, and that is a collaborative effort with you all :). Thank you!

 

[Nineage]

Important Hollow Woods update: a new release is coming soon!

By July 31, we will be releasing a new demo of Hollow Woods. This release will add the sixth gym, as well as extensive new areas, 11 new regional forms, mega evolution (including custom megas), and many new sidequests. The release is ready and currently undergoing final testing before being released.

In this episode, you'll learn more about Oblar's past by visiting the biggest school in the region. You'll also explore Oblar's teeming oceans, visit a volcano, trawl across a swampy new area in the Great Forest, stop by an abandoned town with a mysterious past, check into a luxurious hotel, and do some farming in the verdant south of the region.

Click the spoiler below for some more information about how we're releasing new updates for the game:

Spoiler:

The original plan was not to release another Hollow Woods update until the full game was done. Since there appears to be a strong desire for quicker updates, we will instead be making two downloads available: a "stable" release (the current 5-gym demo), and the "beta" release (the upcoming demo). The beta release will have been thoroughly tested, but won't have quite the same level of polish as our stable releases. Hopefully, this will let players choose which experience they'd like!

Thank you all SO much for your patience as we continue to make progress through the game. I'm so excited to see people play!

Please enjoy the screenshots below:

 

[Nineage]

Big news...Pokémon: Hollow Woods has a new release!

The new release is our six gym release (see the above post for some screenshots and more information about releases for this game). It includes more than 50 sidequests, more than 50 regional forms and custom megas, and many new areas to explore! This release has taken many months of work and our team is so excited to be able to share it with you.

You can download the new release here. I'd also encourage you to join our Discord at this link to discuss your progress and to be notified of any updates or bug fixes.

Thank you to so much for playing and for sharing any thoughts, positive or negative, on Discord or here. We continue to march on towards a final release of the game!

 

[rwbonesy]

Interested in this project but wondering if saves from the new release will transfer or if I'm better off waiting for the final release?

 

[Nineage]

Interested in this project but wondering if saves from the new release will transfer or if I'm better off waiting for the final release?

Saves from the release will transfer to the final release! If you played the previous demo, saves from that will transfer to the 6-gym demo as well.

 

[rwbonesy]

It's been two months.

I've binged this up until the 5th gym or so (waiting to do the 6th until more content is available). It's full of sidequests in the sidequest system that more modern Essentials games tend to have! Like I've said on the discord (one of the few fangame discords I've actually been willing to stick around in because I enjoyed my time with this project enough) it really nails a lot of good notes that I need to enjoy a Pokemon fangame.

 

[smokey5787]

Just started to play this (just past the 3rd gym currently), really liking it, the side-quests have nice rewards, the custom options at the begininng are nice too (I'm using level caps and auto heal which is a very cool and time saving feature). Love the routes and the super trainers (I like these as it lets me know if I have fought the other trainers). Looking forwards to exploring more of this world.

 

[DragonEye]

Just started playing and I'm loving it so far! The story is super engaging, all the regional variants look great, plus that mechanic with the pots puts a very interesting twist on things

 

[Persefona]

Hi.
I've seen the videos on YouTube and I want to play. I'm waiting for the project to develop. In the meantime, I wish you a nice day and a better tomorrow.

 

[darkblade552]

the discord lank doesn't work it needs to be updated with a new lank

 

[Nineage]

Thanks for your patience, everyone! I wanted to let you know that a 7-gym beta demo is on the way and I will update you here when it has a release date. I know it's been awhile since the last update, but I'm excited to share everything that we've been working on.

In the meantime, enjoy the teaser below:

Spoiler:

Oldenstow Town was famously home to a popular Oblarian Pokémon species...but when the Senate began a road construction project nearby, they disappeared! Are they gone for good? Or might there be a way to find them?In the next Pokémon Hollow Woods demo, you'll be able to dig into this mystery. In the process, you'll learn about the life of Oldenstow's Senator: a very familiar member of the Crimson Faction...

 

[Nineage]

I've released a small update that will fix the reported bugs in the previous version and makes some other small tweaks to improve the experience. Expect a more complete new demo to release in February!

 

[Nineage]

Official update: our next release is coming on February 23rd!

The next release of Hollow Woods officially adds the seventh gym, as well as several new areas, new regional forms and a mega evolution, and new sidequests (as well as the resolutions of some old sidequests...anyone been waiting to finish the grave quest?) There will also be a new battle challenge for the hardcore trainers among us!

Though this episode isn't quite as sprawling as the 6-gym release, there is still plenty to do. You'll face down the Oblar Army's latest plot, explore a ruined armory, avoid some Senate road construction, and take on a very familiar Senator...

Thank you all for your patience, and I hope you're as excited as I am!